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MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2002

In an editorial today, The Sioux Falls Argus Leader criticizes the state of South Dakota for suggesting that Yankton Sioux tribal members planted human remains at a work site near the Missouri River.

"No one should sink that low," the paper writes.

A second editorial expands on the controversy, which unfolded last month when the state admitted moving bones from an Army Corps of Engineers work site. Area tribes weren't notified until after the remains were moved.

"What needs to happen now - outside of court - is for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and state officials to establish solid, common-sense procedures in an effort to make sure this doesn't happen again," the paper writes.

"Neither the state nor the corps gave a rip for burial grounds - or at least displayed incompetence in the face of evidence that they were there," the paper adds.

A federal judge halted work on the site until he can resolve issues raised by the tribe. In the meantime, the state has moved the remains back to the area, angering tribal members.

Get the Story:
Editorial: It's deplorable to imply skulls might be 'setup' (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 6/17)
Editorial: State and corps need sensitivity about remains (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 6/17)
Return of bones to site upsets Yankton Sioux (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 6/15)

Related Stories:
Sacred site protection topic of debate (6/13)
Judge halts work at S.D. site (6/12)
S.D. tribe happy with court action (6/12)
Judge refuses to dismiss burial lawsuit (6/11)
Tribal members insulted at hearing (6/10)
Hearing scheduled on Sioux remains (6/7)
S.D. tribe files suit over remains (6/6)
State admits moving tribal ancestors (6/5)